The Group of 8

cold hands, HOT economy

Wow, every year that first minus 20 day makes most of us think about why we are  living on the prairies, but by the fifth scraping of the car, or right after we buy a new winter coat, the awkwardness of having our nose hairs freeze or our toes go completely numb seem to almost disappear.

Let’s face the facts, even with the recent housing boom we have an incredible quality of life in Saskatchewan. Our disposable income is still one of the highest in the country even though our household income definitely is not. 2007 was a break our year economically for this province, massive government surpluses, high commodity prices, positive immigration, new legislature and soaring real estate prices to name a few. 2008 looks like it is going to be an even stronger year, with high potash and uranium prices, massive infrastructure spending,  increased immigration and right wing politics. I know this next statement falls on deaf ears a lot of the time but, GET EXCITED.

Brace yourself Saskatchewanians, we are a have province that is

Faux Pas

Well November 7th is approaching quickly and wow have I been busy. “I have been busy”, isn’t that just a way too over used phrase these days. Isn’t it? It is kinda like saying, wow am I human, or look how when I walk, one foot automatically goes in front of the other”. The last two statements are absurd, but you get my point. Let’s stop pointing out the obvious and progress already!

On November 7th Saskatchewan will go to the polls to vote in our new leader for the next 3-4 years (most likely) and alI the “I am too busy” nonsense I hope doesn’t prevent the electorate from coming out and abusing their freedom to vote. Democracy is becoming more and more important in a world that is getting less and less stable. Please get out and vote, leave your “I’m too busy” at home watching the polls come in.

$250,000 please

…that is what the average home owner in Saskatoon is saying right now when they go to flip their home! You get 57% more moola in your jeans today for the average house, than you would have just 6 months hence. Shut off the Saskatchewan signs and turn on the Alberta ones because this just does not happen here…until now.

I spent 12 years in Alberta and worked at the beginning of this latest oil boom…and because of the diverse economic infrastructure of this province, it is happening here too. Great to see that such a terrific province gets a turn in the sun. It is about time and it couldn’t happen to a better group of people. 

So if you are looking to buy a home in or around Saskatoon, do it now. Prices are going to continue this trend until they reach almost $300,000. If you think that price is outrageous, keep in mind that the average selling price of a detached home across Canada sells for over $450,000.

Rhymes with environment

I think the reason you are struggling to find a rhyme is because there is only one Environment. Now, there has been so much talk lately about this topic that I think a lot of people are just getting sick about hearing it….Kyoto this “Go Green” that…blah blah blah. My stance….If the information is accurate, bring it on!  I can’t think of too many things that are more important than the environment…I mean, how would I drive my Lexus (hybrid) if I can’t go outside and breath the air? Is SPF 250 getting a little out of hand?

The next time you hear yourself thinking….’Shut up about this stinkin’ environment’, you may want to consider what would happen if we actually did really hurt the environment long term.